The Benefits of Arthroscopic Knee Meniscectomy: An Evidence-Based Overview

Knee meniscectomy, a surgical procedure to remove damaged portions of the meniscus, is one of the most common orthopedic interventions for patients with meniscal tears, particularly when conservative treatments fail to provide relief. Meniscectomy offers several benefits, including pain relief, improved knee function, and enhanced mobility, especially for those suffering from mechanical symptoms such as locking or catching. This article examines the benefits of knee meniscectomy based on recent findings in the medical literature, with a focus on the procedure’s outcomes, indications, and patient satisfaction.

1. Pain Relief and Symptom Management
The meniscus functions as a shock absorber, distributing load across the knee joint. However, when it becomes torn—whether through acute injury or degenerative changes—the damaged tissue can lead to inflammation, pain, and mechanical symptoms (e.g., locking, catching). Studies have shown that partial meniscectomy often leads to substantial pain relief and reduction in mechanical symptoms, especially when meniscal tears do not heal on their own and remain symptomatic. For example, a study by Herrlin et al. found that patients with degenerative meniscal tears who underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy reported significant improvements in pain relief and functional outcomes compared to nonoperative treatments for certain patient subsets, particularly those who did not respond to physical therapy (Herrli

n et al., 2007).

2. Improved Knee Function and Mobility
A key benefit of meniscectomy is improved knee function, which can significantly enhance the patient’s quality of life. For individuals with mechanical symptoms, meniscectomy alleviates the feeling of joint instability, locking, and catching, thereby improving mobility and range of motion. According to a randomized controlled trial by Sihvonen et al., partial meniscectomy was associated with increased knee function in patients with mechanical symptoms, leading to faster recovery times and reduced disability compared to nonoperative treatments for patients with non-degenerative tears (Sihvonen et al., 2013). These functional gains are particularly relevant for younger, active patients, who often wish to return to high levels of physical activity.

3. Early Return to Activity
For athletes and physically active individuals, meniscectomy may facilitate an earlier return to sport or physically demanding occupations. Studies suggest that, while meniscus repair is preferable in younger patients to preserve meniscal tissue, repair is not always feasible, especially in cases of complex or degenerative tears. In these cases, meniscectomy allows for a faster postoperative recovery compared to meniscus repair, which typically requires prolonged rehabilitation. Shelbourne and Carr found that patients who underwent partial meniscectomy returned to their pre-injury level of activity more quickly than those who received meniscus repair, allowing them to regain knee stability sooner (Shelbourne & Carr, 2003).

4. High Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Life Improvements
The success of knee meniscectomy is often measured not only by physical outcomes but also by patient satisfaction and quality of life. A systematic review by Katz et al. indicates that patient satisfaction following meniscectomy is generally high, with many patients reporting meaningful improvements in daily activities, work performance, and overall life satisfaction post-surgery. Furthermore, younger, active individuals with isolated meniscal injuries reported a higher level of satisfaction compared to those with degenerative meniscal tears, highlighting the importance of appropriate patient selection (Katz et al., 2013).

5. Considerations and Patient Selection
The decision to proceed with meniscectomy should involve careful patient selection, as the benefits may vary depending on the type of tear and patient characteristics. Recent guidelines suggest that partial meniscectomy is most beneficial in patients with acute, traumatic tears or when mechanical symptoms are pronounced. However, for patients with degenerative tears associated with osteoarthritis, outcomes may not be as favorable, as meniscectomy may not prevent the progression of joint degeneration.

While the literature supports the benefits of meniscectomy for pain relief, functional improvement, and early return to activity, the procedure should be tailored to the individual’s condition and goals. Emerging research suggests a more conservative approach for degenerative meniscal tears, while continuing to support meniscectomy for specific traumatic injuries that impair knee function.

Conclusion
Knee meniscectomy offers significant benefits for pain relief, enhanced knee function, improved mobility, and quality of life, particularly for patients with symptomatic, traumatic meniscal tears. However, a nuanced approach is essential for patient selection, as not all types of meniscal tears benefit equally from surgical intervention. For appropriately selected patients, meniscectomy remains a valuable procedure with high patient satisfaction rates, particularly when other conservative treatments have failed.

References
– Herrlin, S. V., Wange, P., Lapidus, G., Hållander, M., Weidenhielm, L., & Werner, S. (2007). Is arthroscopic surgery beneficial in treating non-traumatic, degenerative medial meniscal tears? A five year follow-up. *The Knee*, 14(6), 532-537.
– Sihvonen, R., Paavola, M., Malmivaara, A., Itälä, A., Järvinen, T. L., & Finnish Degenerative Meniscal Lesion Study Group. (2013). Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy versus sham surgery for a degenerative meniscal tear. *New England Journal of Medicine*, 369(26), 2515-2524.
– Shelbourne, K. D., & Carr, D. R. (2003). Meniscectomy versus repair in sports: Indications and outcomes. *Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy Review*, 11(4), 153-160.
– Katz, J. N., Brophy, R. H., Chaisson, C. E., de Chaves, L., Cole, B. J., Dahm, D. L., … & Wright, R. W. (2013). Surgery versus physical therapy for a meniscal tear and osteoarthritis. *New England Journal of Medicine*, 3

68(18), 1675-1684.